Bangladesh Biodiversity

Category Total Number of Species

Flora Angiosperms 5000

Gymnosperms 5

Algae/seaweed 168

Fauna Sponges 3

Corals 66 (Marine + freshwater) Molluscs (336+26) 362 Insects 2493 Mites 19

Shrimp/prawns 56 (Marine + freshwater) Crabs (11+4) 15 Lobsters 3 Echinoderms 4

(Marine + freshwater) Fish (442+266) 708 Amphibians 22 (Marine + inland) Reptiles (17+109) 126

Birds 628 (Marine + inland) Mammals (3+110) 113

Table 3.4.1 Flora and Fauna Recorded in Bangladesh

Source: Khan, 1991; Ahmed and Ali, 1996; Alam 1967; IUCN, 2000

3.4.1 INTRODUCTION “Biological Diversity” means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes of which they are part; it includes diversity within species between species, and of ecosystems (Article II, CBD, 1992). Literal meaning of biodiversity is the diversity of all life forms on earth. This includes the various races and species of all microbes, plants, and animals that live on earth, including their genetic differences, i.e., the gene pool of each species. Bangladesh is a transitional zone of flora and fauna, because of its geographical settings and climatic characteristics. As mentioned in the overview section of the report that there are many rivers and streams existing in the country covering a length of 22,155 km. In addition to the regular inland waters, seasonally a large part of the country remains submerged for 3-4 months during monsoon. This country is rich in fish and aquatic resources, and other biodiversity (Table 3.4.1). Bangladesh’s inland water bodies are known to be the habitat of 266

species of indigenous fish, 13 exotic fish, 56 prawns, about 26 freshwater molluscs, and 150 birds. The marine water bodies (200 nautical miles along the coast) are also remarkable for being habitat of 442 species of fish. There are at least 36 species of marine shrimps. About 336 species of molluscs, covering 151 genera have been identified from the Bay of Bengal. In addition, several species of crabs, and 31 species of turtles and tortoises, of which 24 live in freshwater, are found in Bangladesh (Sarker and Sarker, 1988; and Ali, 1997). Ahmed and Ali (1996) published a species list of 168 seaweeds, 3 sponges, 15 crabs, 3 lobsters, 10 frogs, 3 crocodiles, 24 snakes, 3 otters, 1 porcupine, 9 dolphins, and 3 species of whale found in Bangladesh (Table 3.4.1). There are numerous invertebrates in the country that are yet to be identified. Various authors have recorded about 70 species of bees, and many species of wasps (Alam, 1967). In Bangladesh only about 8-10 per cent of the land area is under good canopy cover. It supports approximately 5000 species of angiosperms, out of which about 300 species are being cultivated. The list of medicinal plants is currently being revised at the Bangladesh National Herbarium (BNH), and is expected to exceed 5000 species. Mia and Haque (1986) showed there are 224 species of timber-yielding plants found in Bangladesh. Khan and Mia (1984) described 130 species of indigenous fiber plants. The IUCN Bangladesh Red Data Book (2000) has described 266 species of inland fishes, 442 marine fishes, 22 amphibians, 109 inland reptiles, 17 marine reptiles, 388 resident birds, 240 migratory birds, 110 inland mammals, as well as 3 species of marine mammals in Bangladesh. According to the Red List of IUCN, there are 54 species of inland fishes, 8 amphibians, 58 reptiles, 41 resident birds, and 40 mammals, which are threatened throughout the country. Among the marine and migratory species of animals, 4 fishes, 5 reptiles, 6 birds, and 3 mammals are threatened. So far, the Red Data Book on plants, which is under preparation at BNH, lists 96 seed-bearing plant species that are threatened. The depletion of biodiversity is the result of various kinds of human development interventions and activities, especially in the areas of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, urbanization, industries, chemicals, minerals, transport, tourism, and energy (Table 3.4.2).

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3.4.2 PRESSURES ON BIOTA

Both flora and fauna are threatened by the loss of habitat resulting from increasing human populations, and unwise bio-resource utilization (Table 3.4.2). Increasing demand for timber and fuel-wood, encroachment for other purposes, and Jhum (shifting) cultivation in the hilly districts, might be the aggravating factors in the annual rate of deforestation and degradation. The unplanned rapid urbanization and industrialization are leading to waste and pollution problems that affect natural ecosystems. As the land and water-based ecosystems are environmentally compromised, the flora and fauna populations are being seriously affected. This biodiversity section described mostly on destruction of habitat, overexploitation of flora and fauna, and illegal trades. Other issues such as water pollution section of the report deals with industrial

inland fisheries. But the availability of many species that were very popular locally has been drastically decreased, and some are no longer found in the country. On the migration journey to the floodplains, and the return to safe sanctuaries, populations of fish now face many obstacles and hazards, which seriously disturb reproduction in the open water and ponds.

The physical loss, shrinkage, and modification of aquatic habitats for fish, prawn, turtle and other aquatic organisms are said to be the major factors involved in depleting fish varieties. Such loss or shrinkage of aquatic habitats has been the result of thousands of physical structures, dikes, and drainage systems that have been constructed in Bangladesh in an effort to control floods, cyclones, and other natural calamities. These structures have disrupted the natural flow of waters in closed rivers, diverted rivers, and have dried up water bodies. Such physical constructions have also changed or damaged the local ecosystems and hydrological features, resulting in irreparable damages to fisheries resources. Studies done under the Flood Action Plan (FAP) declared that all Flood Control Drainage (FCD) and Flood Control Drainage and Irrigation (FCDI) projects contributed to the decline of fish stocks and fisheries by creating obstacles in the fish migration routes. As a consequence, fish production have declined. Land reclamation required for the implementation of these projects has also reduced the permanent water bodies.

The extensive irrigation schemes for agricultural fields, and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals are changing the feeding and breeding grounds of

• Destruction of habitat • Overexploitation of flora and fauna • Indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals • Industrial waste disposal. • Oil spills • Encroachment into the natural forests • Change in land use pattern and land use conflict

Table 3.4.2 Major Threats to Biodiversity

pollution and oil spillage, and land degradation section deals with agrochemicals, encroachment in the natural forest and changes of land use pattern. Several wildlife species have become extinct in Bangladesh, and many more are threatened. Most of the economically important local plants, medicinal plants, etc., are also under equally great pressure, and are likely to be lost due to habitat destruction, and unsustainable harvesting.

3.4.2.1 Habitat Depletion and Over Exploitation Fish The people of Bangladesh largely depend on fish to meet their protein needs, especially the poor in rural areas. Several decades ago there was an abundance of fish in this country. But recently, capture fish production has declined to about 50 per cent, with a negative trend of 1.24 per cent per year (Ahmed, 1995b). Despite the constant depletion of the river, canal, and flood plain habitats for years, Bangladesh still holds the world’s most diverse and abundant

A view of mono culture, destroying habitat

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many indigenous fish species. Discharge of pollutants into water bodies (rivers, canals, ponds, etc.) from industries, and over-fishing (especially of juvenile and brood fishes) are highly responsible for the destruction of fish species throughout the country. Short term leasing of haors and baors to individuals for commercial exploitation has led to many species becoming locally extinct. This can be attributed to the practice of almost total intake of fish stocks by dewatering the water bodies while harvesting fish. Moreover, there has been a reduction of sanctuaries for natural replenishment of fish species throughout the country, which is another factor leading to shrinkage and destruction of aquatic habitats. Amphibians In Bangladesh, 22 species of Amphibians have been recorded (Table 3.4.1). Some of these are economically important and thus are being exploited commercially. Until the early eighties many traders in the country were exporting frog legs in large quantities. Most of the frogs were collected from the wild, and exported as a frozen food item. This practice also causes insect and predator populations to be affected. Reptiles The depletion of reptilian fauna in the country is noteworthy. Reptiles are environment friendly as they eat many agricultural pests, and help control their numbers. However, turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, and crocodiles are exploited economically because of a tradition of making useful commodities from their body parts, e.g., bones, skins, etc. Therefore, most of them are in high demand by traders in these items, and are over-exploited. Birds The conversion of wetlands into agricultural lands, large-scale deforestation, and human overpopulation are considered to be the major factors causing many species of birds in Bangladesh to be threatened. There is an illegal trade in birds that is prevalent. Mammals and Other Wildlife The mammalian fauna of Bangladesh is the most highly affected from their habitat destruction and over exploitation. Very exceptionally people in Bangladesh use some wildlife species. Most of them are used either as food (e.g. birds, deers, wild boars, etc.), or as commodity (e.g. medicine, handicrafts, etc.), or as pet (e.g. turtles, lizards, snakes, parakeets and hill Mayna, etc.). However,

the country is yet to formulate appropriate policies and guidelines to manage the utilization of these biological resources in a sustainable manner. Most of them are exploited in an unsustainable way, and hence, a number of wildlife species have become threatened. Flora Natural forests throughout the country are increasingly being depleted. Various types of development activity, such as dikes, highway, road construction, and other infrastructure development have further intensified deforestation, and destruction of natural forests in Bangladesh. Briefly, the other causes of deforestation are listed below. The degradation of forestland is described in detail in the Land Degradation section of this report.

• Shifting cultivation (Jhum), and inappropriate utilization of forest resources.

• Overgrazing, illegal felling, and fuel wood collection.

• Uncontrolled and wasteful commercial exploitation of forest resources.

• Monoculture and commercial plantation.

• High population pressure on forestlands.

• Conversion of forests and wetlands for agricultural use.

• Poverty and unemployment in the rural areas.

• Encroachment into forestland.

3.4.3 STATE AND IMPACTS

Unfortunately, the degradation and loss of natural resources in Bangladesh started a long time ago, and now they are all equally depleted, including biodiversity. Various land use and water policies have had significant impacts on natural ecosystems and have changed their character and ability to support biological resources.

The list of extinct animals of Bangladesh has been prepared based on earlier published information regarding fauna (Pocock, 1939; Mountfort, 1969; Prater, 1971; Husain, 1974; Hendrichs, 1975; Green, 1978; Khan, 1982a, 1985). According to further field studies and the compiled Red List of IUCN (2000), 64 species of vertebrates have been recorded as critically endangered, 86 as endangered, and 51 as vulnerable species. The Bangladesh National Herbarium is preparing a similar type of list for flora.

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3.4.3.1 Fauna Aquatic invertebrates In Bangladesh there are about 362 species of molluscs, of which 336 are marine and 26 are freshwater (Table 3.4.1). Low -lying marshlands are the best habitat for them. Shrimp Bangladesh earns quite a good amount of foreign exchange from the export of shrimp and prawn. Shrimp export brings in the most attractive financial returns. In 1981-82, Bangladesh exported 6,903 metric tons of shrimp, worth Tk. 904 million. This rose to 18,665 metric tons amounting 4,373 million in 1987-88. Another report estimates exports of 4,386 metric tons in 1983-84, which reached 23,530 metric tons in 1992-93. Recently the amount is estimated to be about 38,000 metric tons, and it is increasing every year. Most of this comes from shrimp culture in gher or through excavation of ponds that are seeded with fry, which are later harvested. About 10,000 metric tons of the shrimp exported comes from coastal wild shrimp collection.

As a consequence of the shrimp trade, a vast area in the coastal zones of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat and Cox’s Bazar has been converted into shrimp farm. Bangladesh has about 2.5 million hectares of brackish water, of which 0.13 million hectares is under shrimp culture (Ahmed, 1995a). Two cultured species are Penaeus monodon (brackish-water prawn) and Macrobrachium rosenbergii (freshwater prawn), which are mainly cultured in ponds, beels, and paddy fields. The large landowners, and city based non locals mainly dominate shrimp culture in the southern districts. This has created serious socio-economic problems in those areas, besides ecological issues. Other natural resources and biodiversity are seriously affected or neglected by the change in environmental conditions in the area, especially cattle, poultry and goats. A big threat to other aquatic biodiversity is caused by the indiscriminate destruction of various other types of fish and shrimp fry that get captured when local people capture wild shrimp fry along the coastal tidal areas. Crab Unlike shrimp, crabs are not cultivated but rather collected from wild sources and exported to foreign countries. This is big business in the coastal areas, and

thousands of fishers are involved in it. As mentioned earlier, there are about 7 species of crab found in the Sundarbans, and about 15 throughout the whole country (Table 3.4.1). The Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) is the most commercially important species, and is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh started commercial export of crabs from 1987 and in 1990 to 91 earned foreign exchange of Tk. 2.7 million. Since then, the harvesting and export of crabs has increased to a high level. During the last fiscal year (1999-2000) Bangladesh earned about Tk. 30 million from crab export. The main countries importing crabs from Bangladesh are Singapore, Hongkong, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia. The major sources of this exportable item are from crab fishing in and around Sundarbans, Chakaria Sundarbans, coastal shrimp culture farms, and some fattening ponds in Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pikegacha, and Mongla area. Now about 500,000 people are engaged in the fishing, fattening and trading of crabs, as well as in export. Fish Fish is the main dietary source of protein in Bangladesh, and fisheries product supplying over 85 per cent of the total animal protein intake.

The fish and fisheries sector in Bangladesh is keeping very important role in national economy. The principal sources are inland fisheries and artisan marine fisheries. This sector contributes 4.7 per cent of GDP, 6.9 per cent of agricultural GDP, and 11 per cent of export earnings (Ahmed and Ali, 1996). Over 2 million people are involved in this sector as fishermen, traders, transporters, packers, etc.

In 1940-50s about 95 per cent of animal protein came from fish in the daily diet of the people of the country, which was 80 per cent before 1980. At present fish provides 71 per cent of the daily per capita animal protein intake. Rivers and wetlands attribute plenty of opportunities for fish culture as well as hold natural habitat for fishes. The fisheries resources of Bangladesh are among the richest in the world, and the inland fisheries production ranks 3rd, where China and India are leading the global position.

The total inland capture is still contributing the major part of the total fish production in the country, which is about 52.2 per cent. The total annual production of the inland culture fishes is


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about 23.3 per cent, where as the production of marine fishes is about 24.5 per cent (Ahmed & Ali, 1996). The fish species that are frequently caught in the Bay of Bengal are Arius spp, Johnnius belangerii, Upensus sulphurus, Harpodon nehereus, Pompus argenteus, Metapenaeus monoceros, Penaeus monodon, Penaeus indicus, etc.

According to the studies conducted by the Department of Fisheries of Bangladesh, a remarkable declining trends are already discernible in the capture fisheries of Bangladesh. A host of man induced stresses due to large scale water abstraction for irrigation, construction of embankments for flood control, siltation, and soil erosion due to deforestation in the catchment water, pollution from industrial, agriculture and municipal waste, etc. have left a trial of devastating effects on fish stocks of the country. The world harvest of fish crustaceans and mollusc reached a record of 99.6 million metric tons in 1989 then decline to 95.2 million metric tons in 1990 (Ahmed, 1999).

IUCN Red List (2000) revealed 54 threatened species of fishes in Bangladesh, some of them are - Grey feather back (Notopterus notopterus), Freshwater eel (Anguilla bengalensis), Snakeheads (Channa marulius, C. barca and C. orientalis), Darkina (Rasbora rasbora), Bhagna (Labeo boga), Olive barb (Puntius sarana), Mahashol (Tor tor), Baghair (Bagarius bagarius), Bacha (Eutropichthys vacha), Tara baim (Macrognathus aculeatus), Neptani (Ctenopis noblis), Napitkoi (Badis badis), and Bhangan (Liza tade). No such endangered or threatened list of marine fish is not available in Bangladesh (Ahmed, 1995).

In the fisheries sector shrimp cultivation has become a major concern for the past decade. Shrimp cultivation has caused a serious environmental damage where fishes and other aquatic biodiversity also harmed most highly. Frogs Frogs are in high demand for the international market, although they are environmentally important because they eat a lot of insects (about 42 species) that are agricultural pests. Therefore, indiscriminate collection of frogs from agriculture fields has resulted in enormous use of insecticides to control the subsequent colossal attack of insect pests. The excessive harvesting of frogs from the wild has also affected the food chain of their predators, suc h as monitor lizards, snakes, and many species of birds. Recently, the Bangladesh

government has enacted some regulations to control the trade in frog’s legs by imposing a ban on the export of frogs. Turtles and Tortoises About 12 species of reptile are critically endangered, including the estuarine crocodile, Gangetic gharial, river terrapin, tortoise, turtle, flying lizard, and reticulated python.

Bangladesh supports 25 species under Order Chelonia, of whic h 18 are freshwater turtles, 5 are marine turtles (Table 3.4.3), and two are land tortoises. The Bostami turtle (Aspiderates nigricans), found only in the pond of Saint Bayezid Bostami in Chittagong (hence its name), is the only endemic wildlife of Bangladesh. The majority of freshwater turtles are herbivorous, and thus control growth of aquatic weeds and other submerged vegetation to maintain a healthy aquatic environment for other wildlife and fish.

Besides their natural ecological role, the turtle and tortoise populations in Bangladesh provide a little animal protein to a small percentage of people, especially ethnic communities. The soft shelled turtles have been one of the major non-traditional export earners for the country for a long time. All the species exported are collected from nature. The collection of turtles’ eggs from the seashores of Cox’s Bazar, St. Martins, and Teknaf is a major threat to the sea turtles. Monitor Lizards The monitor lizards play a very vital role in agricultural pest control. However, their skins are in high demand to make a variety of fancy leather items. There are three species of monitor lizards found in Bangladesh viz. Varanus bengalensis, V. salvator, and V. flavescens. All these have been commercially exploited during the last half-century, with no consideration of maintaining their populations, or the ecological consequences. The population of monitor

Table 3.4.3 List of Marine Turtles

Sl. No. English name Scientific name

1. Olive Ridley Lepidochelys olivacea

2. Green turtle Chelonia mydas 3. Hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata 4. Loggerhead Caretta caretta 5. Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea

Source: CNRS, 1999

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Source: IUCN, 2000

Table 3.4.4 List of Extinct Wildlife in Bangladesh

Animals Common name Scientific name Reptiles Marsh Crocodile Crocodylus palustris

Birds Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea

Birds Common Peafowl Pavo cristatus Mammals One-horned

Rhinoceros Rhinocerus unicornis

Mammals Asiatic Two-horned Rhinoceros

Didermoceros sumatrensis

Mammals Java Rhinoceros Rhinocerus sondaicus Mammals Wolf Canis lupus

Mammals Swamp Deer Cervus duvauceli

Mammals Hog Deer Axis porcinus

Mammals Gaur Bos gaurus Mammals Banteng Bos banteng

Mammals Wild Buffalo Bubalus bubalis Mammals Blue Bull (Nilgai) Bosephalus tragocamelus

lizards has now fallen to a vulnerable status, because of their habitat destruction and indiscriminate capture for skin. Birds The population of birds in Bangladesh is still very rich, and there is a wide variety in the country (Table 3.4.1). However, bird populations around the globe are declining at an alarming rate, and that does not exclude Bangladesh. IUCN’s Red List (2000)revealed that among 388 species of resident birds, 41 species are threatened in this country. The primary threats to them are habitat destruction, illegal trade, and over-hunting. There are 19 species of birds that have been recorded as critically endangered. Some of these are: Black francolin, peacock, White-winged duck, Comb duck, Hornbill, Pin-tailed green pigeon, and Red-headed vulture. About 2 species of birds have become extinct in Bangladesh (Table 3.4.4). Mammals About 10 species of mammals have become extinct in Bangladesh (Table 3.4.4), and 40 species are threatened (IUCN, 2000). There are 21 critically endangered species of mammals enlisted by IUCN. Some of these are: Slow loris, Crab-eating macaque, Hanuman langur monkey, Hoolock gibbon, Asiatic wild dog, Golden Cat, leopard, tiger, otter, bear, dolphin, Asiatic elephant, sambar, and anteater.

Among the wild animals, mammals have been highly depleted over the last few decades in Bangladesh. The most affected ones are leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, Gaur, elephant, fox, monkey, jackal, porcupine, hedgehog, and anteater. Their populations are so depleted that in recent times they are rarely found. There are still various types of mammals found in the forests. Wild elephants are found in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). At one time, wild buffaloes, sambars, barking deer, leopards, and many other animals were spread all over the CHT, but now most of them are rarely seen.

Due to degradation of the natural forest, most of the wildlife in the Sal forest has also rapidly vanished. Leopards, bears, deer, and many other animals, which were abundant in the Sal forest areas, have now totally disappeared. Bands of monkeys are rarely seen these days. Although common in the past, pheasants, peacocks, pythons, and a variety of birds have no place now in the afforested rubber and fuel-wood plantations.

3.4.3.2 Flora

Bangladesh supports approximately 5000 floral species, of which about 300 species are being actively cultivated. The list of threatened vascular plant species is being prepared by BNH, and will be published soon. They are also preparing a list of medicinal plants, and the number so far exceeds 500 species. A detailed account of 200 plants known to be effective in diarrheal diseases has been prepared.

Bangladesh is primarily a land of agriculture, and rich in germplasm resources of some of the world's most important crops, namely banana, eggplant (aubergine), cotton, bean, jute, lime, litchi, mango, rice, sugarcane, tea, taro, etc. The predominant crop is rice, which covers up to 80 per cent of the land area. The number of indigenous ric e cultivars is estimated to be 8,000. There are two wild relatives of rice found, namely, Oryza rufipogon and Porteresia coarctata. Various research institutes in the country have collected germplasm of about 5000 cultivars of rice, 3685 jute, 256 tea, 1098 timber, 11 bamboo, 18 wild grasses, and 2929 varieties of miscellaneous crops. Threatened Plants A tentative list of about 26 angiosperm species endangered in Bangladesh was prepared by Khan (1991a) as the first step in intensive field studies to


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3.4.3.3 Habitats

Forestry contributes to a great extent to the economic and ecological stability of Bangladesh. According to a recent estimate, total forestlands including plantations, gardens, and homesteads cover about 2,600,000 hectares in Bangladesh, which is 17.87 per cent of the land surface of the country (Table 3.4.5).

The delta has a total of 4,395,966 hectares of inland waters, of which 2,832,792 hectares are flood plain, 146,890 hectares are ponds and tanks, and 610,000 hectares are estuaries and mangroves (Ahmed & Ali, 1996, Table 3.4.5). These water bodies not only provide sanctuary to the inland water fish spec ies, but also to thousands of other plants and animals. Forests Most of the forests of Bangladesh are located in the Greater Districts of Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Sylhet, Khulna, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Tangail. The moist deciduous forests are found in

locate the species in the wild, and collect relevant data. This is being followed up by screening, preparing status reports, reviewing information, and analysis of the data to assign the species to the IUCN Red List categories (IUCN, 1994). It is still premature to categorically name the endangered plants of Bangladesh until the field surveys are completed. But the current project for a Red Data Book of Bangladesh Plants taken up by BNH is nearing completion. The list of threatened plants has been expanded to more than 100 in number. Medicinal Plant Resources Yusuf et. al., (1994) in a recent publication gave a list of 546 medicinal plants that occur in Bangladesh. However, the inventory is not complete, and many plants with medicinal value are yet to be discovered. The Rangamati Hill District in CHT still harbors a portion of virgin forest. But the procurement of medicinal plants from the wild habitat for professional collectors to make local medicines is unscientific, indiscriminate, and in most cases leads to overexploitation. There is severe depletion of the natural stands, without any provision for the regeneration of species. Some rare species like Ulat chandol (Gloriosa superba), Sarpo gandha (Rawolfia serpentina), and Aswa gandha (Withania somnifera) have become regionally endangered.

The Government of Bangladesh is conscious about the need to take corrective action to safeguard medicinal plants, and the ayurvedic and other traditional medicinal knowledge in the country. Recognizing their importance, not only as a national heritage, but also as a global asset, the Government decided to formulate a project, and has sought funding from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), especially to supplement its efforts for preserving these resources in the CHT region. The project is expected to address all the various problem areas, and make an effort for conservation in a sustainable manner. Orchids Recently orchids have become immensely popular among urban people. Preliminary studies indicate that there are more than 100 species of orchids found in Bangladesh. Some are located in the Sal forest, Sylhet hill forest and also in the mangrove forests. Cirrhopetalum roxburghii is endemic to the litoral forests of Sundarbans. As orchids have caught the attention of businessmen, they are now collected from

nature secretly and indiscriminately. Therefore, if steps are not taken to prevent indifferent collection of them, some of the species will be eliminated from the country.

Table 3.4.5 Estimated Water Bodies and Forest Areas in Bangladesh

Water bodies* l 4,395,966 hectares of inland water l 479,735 hectares rivers and canals

l 16,607,000 hectares marine water bodies

Forest land**

l 2,600,000 hectares (ca. 18% of total land surface) forestland, including village forests and tea gardens

l 670,000 hectares evergreen forest l 123,000 hectares deciduous forest

l 601,700 hectares natural, and 130,000 hectares coastal and forested mangrove forest

l 270,000 hectares village forest l 40,000 hectares social forest

l 70,000 hectares tea garden

* Ahmed & Ali, 1996 ** Department of Forest, Bangladesh

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Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Rajshahi districts. In the coastal areas, plantations have been established on the new ly accreted char land. Throughout the country the forestlands are largely devoid of adequate natural cover, except negligible forest pockets. To conserve plants and other biodiversity, the GoB have declared a number of protected areas throughout the country (Table 3.4.7). However, a vast majority of land designated as forests is without tree cover. Most of the protected areas are not properly managed due to lack of proper implementation or enforcement of existing rules, as well as inadequate facilities. Under the management of the Forest Department, the three main types of forest are hill forest, plain-land forest, and mangrove forest (Table 3.4.6). Hill forest The total area of hill forest is 670,000 hectares, which is 4.54 per cent of total land area of the country (Table 3.4.5). The hill forests have been broadly classified as tropical wet-evergreen forest, and tropical semi-evergreen forest. Under hill forests the following types of forests are found: • Reserved Forests (RF) • Unclassified State Forests (USF) The Reserved Forests are those managed by the Forest Department who collect revenue from them. Rest of the hills forest comes under Unclassified State Forests. Most of the hill forests in Bangladesh are characterized as mixed evergreen forests (Table 3.4.5). In such forests, the tropical evergreen plant communities are mixed with tropical deciduous trees, in association with diverse herbs, shrubs, and bamboo jungles. Forests in Greater Chittagong Hill Tracts, Chittagong, and in Sylhet and Mymensingh

districts fall under this category. Usually canopies of different evergreen trees are formed, having three distinct heights and gallery sequences. Among the dominant trees are Garjan (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), Uriam (Bouea oppositifolia), Civit (Swintonia floribunda), Telsur (Hopea odorata), Chandul (Tetrameles nudiflora), Boilam (Anisoptera scaphula), Jarul (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Dhaki jaam (Syzigum grande), and Chaplaish (Artocarpus chaplasha).

Hill forests in the eastern districts of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and the CHT region are tropical evergreen or semi-evergreen forest. The most important commercial timber species of the CHT are Jarul, Gamari (Gmelina arborea), Garjan, Chaplaish, Toon (Cedrella microcarpa), Koroi (Albizia procera), Civit, Champa (Michelia champaca), Shimul (Salmalia insignis), and Chandul.

Apart from evergreen and deciduous forest vegetation, bamboo and savannah type of forests are of immense economic and environmental value. Bamboo grows among various types of forests in CHT and Sylhet. The bamboo is used as a raw material to make pulp for paper mills. It is also used for house construction, and supports many cottage industries. Forests of the savannah type are those where there are practically no trees, and the areas are covered by Sungrass. A very large portion of the Unclassified State Forests consists of this type of forest.

The natural look and character of the CHT forest has been changed due to human intervention through plantation activities. Rubber plantations undertaken by the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation (BFIDC) have not proven to be environmentally or economically successful. They have played a role in hastening deforestation, and changing the natural character of the CHT forests. Sal forest The traditional Sal forest used to extend over Madhupur Tract, as well as the districts of Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Rajshahi. Now the Madhupur Sal forest is the largest Sal forest patch in the country. In the Sal forest, 70-75 per cent of the trees are Sal (Shorea robusta), and the soil looks yellowish-red in color. The other commercially valuable trees in the Sal forest are Koroi (Albizzia procera), Chambal (Artocarpus chaplasha), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia belerica), and Bajna (Zanthoxylum rhetsa).

1. Hill Forest Reserved Forest Unclassified State Forest

2. Plain-land Forest Deciduous Forest Village Forest

3 Mangrove Forest Sundarban Natural Forest Coastal Afforestation

4. Social Forest

5. Tea Gardens

Table 3.4.6 Types of Forest in Bangladesh

Source: Department of Forest, Bangladesh


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Most of the Sal forest has been denuded, degraded, and encroached upon by people, or used for plantation of rubber monoculture and mostly exotic commercial fuel-wood species. The demand for Sal and other forest products seems unlimited. Even though now the supply has decreased drastically, Sal trees, including the stumps, are still used as fuel in brick kilns and for industry. Reed-land Forest The reed-land forest situated in Sylhet comprises a total area of 23,590 hectares. The forest ranges from swamp forest to mostly reed or Nal (Phragmites karka), Kash (Saccharum spontaneum), and Ikra (Saccharum ravinae), and in some areas there are also permanent water bodies. The reed-land areas are also very rich in faunal diversity. A survey reported 27 mammals, 49 birds, 22 reptiles and 9 amphibians from the reed-land forest. All of them are used as food, medicine, bait, for commercial trade, and recreation. The reed-land flood plains are also rich in fisheries resources. Due to indiscriminate harvesting, the reed populations are declining. The rate of depletion is as high as 60 per cent in particular areas. Therefore, proper management is necessary to protect the reed-land forest.

3.4.3.4 Mangrove Forest Biodiversity

Bangladesh has one of the most biologically resourceful and unique forests known as the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. Mangrove forests have a unique combination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The mangrove forests serve as a natural fence against cyclonic storms and tidal surges, stabilize coastlines, enhance land accretion, and enrich soil near the aquatic environment. The Sundarbans Reserve Forest occupies an area of 601,700 hectares of which 406,900 ha forests, 187,400 ha water (rivers, rivulets, ponds, and canals), 30,100 ha form wildlife sanctuaries, and 4200 hectares are sand bars. It is home to several uniquely adapted flora and fauna, and provides feeding and nursery grounds for many animals. Many animals spend their entire life in the mangroves, whilst others spend some part of it.

The mangrove forest is very rich in biodiversity and supports 334 species of plants, as many as 77 insects of different orders, 7 crabs, 1 lobster, 23 shrimp/prawns, 400 fish, 8 amphibians, 35 reptiles, 270 birds, and 42 species of mammals. There are about

13 and 23 species of orchids and medicinal plants, respectively, found in the Sundarbans. It is also the largest honey-producing habitat in the country with giant honey bees (Apis dorsata). The best tree for producing honey in the Sundarbans is Khulshi (Aegiceras comiculatum).

The Sunderbans is the only remaining habitat of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris), and estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) occur extensively in the rivers. The forest harbors large numbers of threatened wildlife species including Python, King Cobra, Adjutant Stork, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Clawless Otter, Masked Fin-foot, Ring-lizard, and River Terrapin. The Sundarbans is also home to thousands of Spotted deer (Axis axis).

Out of 26 species of mangroves, the two dominant ones are the Sundari (Heritiera fomes) and Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha). Among the trees, Gewa and Goran (Ceriops roxburghiana) are being used in newsprint mills for paper production, as well as for fuel-wood. The Sundari and Keora (Sonneratia apetala) are used as timber woods. Leaves of gol pata (Nypa fruticans) are used for thatching. At present, there is no commercia l timber felling due to a moratorium imposed by the Government of Bangladesh, with the exception of Gewa and Goran. Another mangrove forest totally about 21,020.45 acres of land at Chokoria Mangroves in Cox’s Bazar has been destroyed mainly due to uncontrolled logging, agricultural expansion, and shrimp culture. There it is pretty difficult to see remnants of mangrove vegetation other than few dead stumps here and there. Along with the forest all other flora and fauna are destroyed from the areas where fish is not also excluded.

A view of the Sundarbans biodiversity

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3.4.3.5 Wetland Biodiversity in the Haor Basin It is estimated that about 50 per cent or more of the land surface of Bangladesh is wetland, consisting of about 700 rivers, creeks, streams, and other water bodies known locally as haor, baor, beel and khal. There are also the vast estuarine systems and mangrove swamps of the south and southeast regions, as well as innumerable man-made water bodies of various sizes. The northeast region of Bangladesh, comprising the flood plains of the Meghna tributaries, has a distinct type of wetland that is known as the Haor Basin. This basin comprises an area of about 2,450,000 hectares, or 17.5 per cent of the area of Bangladesh. The haors are depressions located between two or more rivers, and function as small internal drainage basins. Within the lowest points of the haor, there are one or more beels, which are lake-like deep depressions retain ing water permanently or for a greater part of the year. The biological features in the haors are unique and fascinating to observe. In the past the Haor Basin biodiversity was very rich, but recently it is diminishing since the environment has degraded so much.

Several distinct vegetation zones that are found in the haors as follows:

• Submerged: The submerged plant community consists of Hydrilla verticillata, Potamogeton crispus, Naja spp., Aponogeton appendiculatus, and Ottelia alismoides. These plants remain permanently under water around the year.

• Free Floating: This type of vegetation floats freely in the water. Among the available species found in the water bodies of the country are Eichhornia crassipes, Utricularia spp., Salvinia natans, and Salvinia cullata.

• Rooted Floating: These types of plants include Euryale ferox, Nelumbo nucifera, Trapa maximowiczii, Hygroryza aristata, Limnophila indica, Nymphoides indica, and Pseudoraphis minuta.

• Sedges and Meadows: These plants grow at the transition zone, and are basically ecotonal plants. Some of them are terrestrial, some are aquatic, and others are amphibious in nature. These include Alternanthera philoxeroides, Clinogyne dichotoma, Eclipta alba, Enhydra fluctuans, Fimbristylis dichotoma, Ipomoea aquatica, Ludwigia spp., Persicaria spp., Scripus erectus, Vetiveria zizanioides, and Xanhium indicum.

Waterfowl make their nests on the floating plants. A total of 284 species of waterfowl were recorded in the Haor Basin (FAP 6, 1993). Despite massive habitat losses, the northeast region of the country is still an important place for migratory waterfowl, principally ducks and shore birds. Various other wildlife, e.g. otters, cormorants, jacanas, coots, egrets, herons, etc., also find this vegetation a safe place for feeding and nesting, as well as for breeding.

The Haor Basin alone produces a remarkable quantity of freshwater fish, and each haor acts as a fish sanctuary for several indigenous fish species. Bangladesh has very rich freshwater algal resources, and phycologists have already identified about 150 species. The swamp forests of the Haor Basin have communities of Hijal (Barringtonia acutangula), Karaja or Koroch (Pongamia pinnata), Barun (Crataeva nurvala), and Gota gamar (Trewia nudiflora), but these are very degraded due to overexploitation. The haor systems support major subsistence and commercial fishing, rice growing, grazing grounds for livestock, and also serve as a source of fuel, food and fertilizers for the local populations.

Table 3.4.7 List of Wildlife Sanctuaries (WS), National Parks (NP), and Game Reserves (GR) in Bangladesh

Sl.No. Status Area Forest type

1 Sundarban East (WS) 31226.938 ha Mangrove forest 2. Sundarban South (WS) 36970.454 ha Mangrove forest 3. Sundarban West (WS) 71502.13 ha Mangrove forest

4. Rema Kalenga (WS) 1795.54 ha Mixed evergreen forest

5. Char-Kukrimukri (WS) 40 ha Mangrove forest 6. Pablakhali (WS) 42,087 ha Mixed evergreen

forest

7. Teknaf (GR) (Elephant)

11,615 ha Mixed evergreen forest

8. Himchari (NP) 1,729 ha Mixed evergreen forest

9. Bhawal (NP) 5,022 ha Deciduous forest 10. Modhupur (NP) 8436 ha Deciduous forest 11. Chunati (WS) 7761 ha Mixed evergreen

forest 12. Lawachara (NP) 1250 ha Mixed evergreen

forest

13. Kaptai (NP) 5464.77 ha Mixed evergreen forest

14 Hazarikhil (WS)* 2903 ha Mixed evergreen forest

Total 227802.06 ha

* Not declared Source: Department of Forest, Bangladesh


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Nijhum Dweep Nijhum Dweep, an area of 4,232 hectares is located at the confluence of Meghna estuary on the Bay of Bengal, within the Hatiya thana, under the territorial jurisdiction of Noakhali Forest Division. It is the habitat for waterfowl, migratory shore birds, and a large number of reptiles and mammals. Its aquatic areas harbour the Ganges River Dolphin.

3.4.4 RESPONSES

The Government of Bangladesh has taken various steps in response to the need for conservation of indigenous biodiversity. Some major ones are as follows.

3.4.4.1 Institutes

There are various research institutes involved in biodiversity-related research as shown in Table 3.4.8. They directly or indirectly help in conservation of biodiversity through various multi-directional research projects.

A participatory wetland resource management plan might save the wilderness and functions of the vast haors and other wetlands of the country. Local communities should get the highest priority in managing their own resources for both conservation and sustainable utilization.

3.4.3.6 Coastal Biodiversity Bangladesh has the world’s longest beach (710 km) along the Bay of Bengal, filled with a rich and unique coastal biodiversity. It has a great natural ecosystem value in terms of scientific interest, and because of its outstanding aesthetic value. It also provides multiple renewable resources of direct economic benefits to the nation. The marine resources in the Bay of Bengal waters are yet to be explored fully in terms of biodiversity. About 442 species of finfish, 336 molluscs including 7 edible oysters, and 3 species of lobster have been recorded in the Bay of Bengal, and there are 17 reptiles, and 3 species of mammals (Table 3.4.1). St. Martin’s Island The southern-most offshore island, St. Martin’s, is a small and beautiful coral island located in the Bay of Bengal. The west coast of the island is an important nesting beach for marine turtles in the Bay of Bengal. Two globally threatened species of marine turtle, Olive Ridley and Green turtle, visit the pristine sandy beach to lay their eggs during the winter months of November to January. The coastal area of St. Martin's is fringed with inter-tidal rocks that support a diverse coral community, associated with fish and invertebrate fauna characteristic of coral reefs. Corals of diverse species are in abundance, ranging from honeycomb, branched, brain coral, and a dozen more. About 66 species of corals from 22 genera have been identified at St. Martin’s Island. A rich growth of benthic algae consisting of 168 species belonging to 77 genera was reported from the coral reef of St. Martin’s Island.

A wide variety of multicolored coral reef-associated fishes, e.g., moon wrasses, parrot, angel, spotted bat, groupers, rabbit, tiger, snappers, sea horses and soldier fish are very common in the inter-tidal waterlogged areas between coral boulders, or rocks and sand dunes. There are 86 species of coral reef-associated fish belonging to 34 families existing in the waters surrounding St. Martins Island (Tomascik, 1997).

Among the marine fishes, skates, rays, sharks, pomphrets, etc., are the important ones. There are mangrove formations at the southern intertidal mudflats. Nearly 150 species of shorebirds used to visit the mudflats during the winter season, including some of the globally threatened waders such as Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordman’s Greenshank, Asian Dowitcher, etc., but now their population numbers have decreased.

• All the state run universities (especially the Department of Zoology and Botany)

• Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) • Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) • Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) • Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) • Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) • Bangladesh Forest Research Institute (BFRI) • Sugarcane Research and Training Institute (SRTI) • Bangladesh Council of Scientific and

Industrial Research (BCSIR) at Chittagong specializes in the medical plant research

• Bangladesh National Herbarium (BNH) • Department of Environment (DoE) • Forest Department (FD) • Department of Fisheries (DoF)

Table 3.4.8 Institutions in Bangladesh performing Biodiversity- related Research

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A national forum, known as Bangladesh National Biodiversity Group (BNBG), was formed on August 1, 1995 to initiate a national database of biodiversity, as well as provide scientific and technical advice on national policy formulation for biodiversity. Bangladesh National Herbarium BNH is the repository of plant resources in the country. Researchers preserve plant specimens in dry or wet (in bottle) condition for future reference, research, and other uses. The researchers collect plants from all over the country, identify, and preserve them. Recently, the BNH started a program to compile a Red Data Book of flowering plants of the country based on field study, in conjunction with herbarium and literature surveys on the threatened species. Other Biodiversity Related Development Partners Development partners like UNDP, FAO, DFID, IFAD, DANIDA, CARE, EU, USAID, CIDA, and Ford Foundation are involved in the fisheries sector of Bangladesh, with the stated aim of increasing fish production and improving fisheries management. These donors fund studies, institutional development, pilot activities, etc. They also show concern for the rights of the fishermen, and their role in management. Some of the local NGOs are also involved in conservation of biodiversity throughout the country.

3.4.4.2 Policy Response

Bangladesh is a signatory to about 28 environmental treaties, conventions and protocols. Bangladesh signed the Biodiversity Convention at Rio in 1992, and ratified it in 1994. A focus on biodiversity has been emphasized in the Forest Policy and Environment Policy. However, a separate policy on biodiversity is yet to be formulated, and until then various departments of the government are responsible for conservation of biodiversity. The Bangladesh National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is under preparation as a national obligation to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The Forest and National Environment Policy sets the policy framework for some biodiversity and environmental action, in combination with a set of broad sectoral guidelines. It emphasizes among other things:

• Maintenance of the ecological balance, and overall progress and development of the country through protection and improvement of the environment;

• Identification and control of all types of activities related to pollution and degradation of environment;

• Environmentally sound development in all sectors;

• Sustainable long-term and environmentally congenial utilization of all natural resources; and

• Active association with all environment-related international initiatives.

In order to protect wildlife biodiversity the Bangladesh Wildlife Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1974 is available, where names of protected animals are also enlisted. In the area of legislation, the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (BECA) has articles that expand upon the environmental management and sustainable development goals of the Environmental Policy, 1992. In particular, it defines the environmental regulatory regime and the mandate of DoE in this respect. Among the measures instituted is a provision for the declaration of Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs) and their management. Legal and Regulatory Famework As mentioned above, there are no direct Acts and Rules in Bangladesh regarding conservation of biodiversity. Under these circumstances, the following existing acts and rules have been found relevant to the conservation of biodiversity:

1. The Protection and Conservation of Fish Act, 1950.

2. The Protection and Conservation of Fish Rules, 1985.

3. The Private Fisheries Protection Act, 1889. 4. Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation

Act, 1973.

5. The Marine Fisheries Ordinance, 1983. 6. The Fisheries Research Institute Ordinance, 1984. 7. Wildlife Preservation Act, 1974 (Amendment Act

1994).

8. Forest (Amendment) Act, 1990. 9. Forest Act, 2000 (Amending Act, 1927). 10. The Environment Conservation Act, 1995. 11. The Environment Conservation Rules, 1997.


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3.4.4.3 Conservation Initiatives Parks and Protected Areas The IUCN commission has established a system for the classification of protected areas on the basis of management objectives, and a total of 7,734,900 km or 5.19 per cent of the earth’s land area are covered under this protected area system, (WEMC, 1992).

The protected areas dispersed throughout the country play a fundamental role in the conservation of species and ecosystem diversity in Bangladesh. The Government uses a variety of different legal and administrative mechanisms to manage national parks and protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity. The establishment of the three categories of protected areas, namely National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Game Reserves has been provided through the Bangladesh Wildlife Preservation Act, 1974 (amendment act 1994) . With the goal to conserve the biological diversity of the country, the Government of Bangladesh has declared 14 protected areas (Table 3.4.7) and is considering declaring more. Moreover, the Government of Bangladesh has recently declared 6 areas viz. Cox’s Bazar Teknak Sea Beach (10,465 ha), St. Martin’s Island (590 ha), Sonadia Island (4,916 ha), Hakaluki Haor (183,813 ha), Tanguar Haor (9,727 ha) and Marjat Baor (200 ha), as Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) under environmental conservation act, 1995. Very recently, a part of the Sundarbans forest (59,600 hectares from its East, West and South sites), and 9,772 hectares of Tanguar haor have been designated as Ramsar sites in the country. In addition, since February 4, 1999, UNESCO has classified 139,700 hectares of land in the Sundarbans covering three regions East, West, and South as World Heritage Sites. Conservation and Development With respect to conservation activities, government agencies in some countries and territories are undertaking various types of activities, such as designation of protected habitats, regulation of hunting and related activities, improvement of habitats, studies on the breeding, feeding and migration ecology of water birds, and increasing education and awareness. Several international organizations have been involved in bird conservation, such as Birdlife International, Crane Foundation, Wetlands International, IUCN, World Wide Fund For Nature, and Oriental Bird Club.

The Government of Bangladesh has recently initiated a number of programs to manage avifauna, both in wilderness and in situ. Worth mentioning are programs for the protection of migratory birds through promulgation of the Bangladesh Wildlife Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1974, and the publication of awareness-building materials. A number of training programs at both local and national levels have been organized for developing human resources, and building institutional capacity. Bangladesh is also a member of Global Tiger Forum, a group that is involved in the conservation of tiger populations.

3.4.4.4 Biodiversity Research Initiatives in

Bangladesh

A number of projects having biodiversity components are being implemented in Bangladesh. Some of the noteworthy ones are described below: National Conservation Strategy (NCS) The idea for a National Conservation Strategy (NCS) emerged in September 1986. Its primary goal was the sustainable use of natural resources. The National Conservation Strategy Implementation Project 1 (1994-1999) was a five-year project implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), with fin ancial and technical support from NORAD and IUCN. Through this NCS Phase 1, one major program was implemented in four distinct ecosystems - tropical and mangrove forest areas, St. Martin’s Island, Tangour Haor, and Barind Tract. The main objectives of all these activities are conservation of biodiversity. Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Bangladesh has completed a Pre-investment Feasibility (PRIF) study on “Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management Project” funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). It was a preparatory initiative to develop a project proposal to implement a reserve, and a multiple-use management program for the protection, sustainable management, and integration of at least three priority biodiversity sites in Bangladesh. The primary focus was to integrate conservation and development, in order to protect and manage the priority areas in a sustainable way. The duration of the project was 15 December 1997 to 31 December 1999. The Project Brief and the outcome of the said PRIF study project have already been approved by the Project Steering Committee,

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and subsequently accepted by the GEF. The product of the follow-up project entitled “Coastal and Wetland Biodiversity Management in Cox’s Bazar and Hakaluki Haor (BGD/99/G31)” has also been prepared, and approved by the GEF council for funding. This project is under process of execution by GoB. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) In December 1999 the Minister of Water Resources announced the Government’s intention to develop an ICZM policy. Among other objectives, the ICZM policy will attempt to rationalize and coordinate more effectively a number of environment and development initiatives taking place in the coastal zone. A number of donors, including the World Bank and the Netherlands government, will be supporting the development of this policy over the coming years. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan The GEF Headquarters has already approved the project document and under execution. Conservation and Management of Medicinal Plants A project on conservation and management of medicinal plant biodiversity for their sustainable utilization will be executed in Rangamati Hill District. This project is in the process of final approval by GEF. The specific objectives of the project are:

• Development of an inventory of medicinal plants in the project area.

• Documentation of traditional uses by the local people.

• Conservation of medicinal plants and their ecosystem.

• Capacity building of concerned agencies in sustainable use of the medicinal plants.

Sustainable Environment Management Program (SEMP) SEMP is the response evolving from the concerns, needs, and actions identified through the National Environment Management Action Plan (NEMAP) process. It focuses on community-based resource management in wetlands. In NEMAP several major priority areas of environmental concern were identified, and SEMP has been designed to address these priorities. The program consists of 26 components on five major themes, and is implemented

by 22 organizations from the Government, non-government organizations (NGOs), and private sector. The community-based ‘Haor and Floodplain Resource Management Project’ is being implemented by IUCN with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, in two well defined degraded areas of haor and floodplain ecosystems. The major focus of the program is to involve community people in planning, and implementation of activities for management of natural resources that maintain biodiversity and human well-being. Management of Aquatic Ecosystem through Community Husbandry (MACH) The natural resources in the floodplain and wetlands throughout Bangladesh are in decline. Thus, to conserve these resources the GoB and the United States of America have jointly developed a program called MACH. An agreement to implement this program was signed in May 1998. Its goal is to ensure the sustainable productivity of all wetland resources such as water, fish, plant, and wildlife over an entire wetland ecosystem. Sundarbans Biodiversity Conservation Program The Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded the project “Biodiversity Conservation in the Sundarbans Reserved Forest.” The objective of the project was to establish an effective system for the participatory and sustainable management of the ecosystem of the Sundarbans Reserved Forest (SRF). The scope of the project included: biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, community development, participatory resources management program, development of eco-tourism infrastructure, and establishing a new multi-sectoral management agency that will work for an integrated conservation and development approach Forest Resources Management Project The World Bank (WB) funded a program on “Forest Resources Management Project” in 1992. The primary objective of the project was to establish and maintain a forest management system that was fully responsive to the economic, environmental, and social goals of the country; and to improve the productivity of government-owned forests in order to meet the country’s wood and energy needs as much as possible, while still protecting the environment. Biodiversity Survey in 13 Protect Areas A biological survey study was conducted in 13 protected areas by Bangladesh Centre for Advanced


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Studies (BCAS), in collaboration with the Forest Department (FD). The survey was conducted to assess the biological resources available in the designated areas. The potential value of each protected area was evaluated through determination of the species present, the relative abundance of the species, and the species diversity. The critical habitats in each of the protected areas were identified for protecting the threatened species, and also for developing protective-area management plans.

3.4.5 SUGGESTED OPTIONS AS FUTURE

MEASURES For the conservation of biodiversity an all out effort is necessary that encompasses the different levels of stakeholders who are involved in its use, study, research, and protection. To this purpose, various steps need to be taken, e.g., education, information dissemination, action programs, preventive measures, and policy decisions. Without proper policy decisions it is absolutely impossible to protect biodiversity. A multi-sectoral policy is required, because conservation of biodiversity involves various stakeholders. To help explore new policy options on biodiversity, related policies should be analyzed and gaps should be identified.

Some suggested measures are:

1) The national policy planning authorities should recognize the necessity for conservation of biodiversity, and ensure multi-sectoral coordination for it.

2) Government agencies involved in biodiversity conservation should be strengthened, and new agencies should be created wherever necessary.

3) Agencies for the survey of fauna and microorganisms need to be created.

4) The Wildlife Conservation Circle should be activated and strengthened.

5) As per the declaration made by the Environment Conservation Act, 1995, an ECA wing should be created in the DoE. The Department of Environment should be strengthened for ECA management.

6) Establishment of a National Institute of Biodiversity.

7) A digitized national database on biodiversity.

8) Development of integrated management systems in the agriculture sector, animal husbandry, poultry management and aquaculture.

9) Awareness about the need for conservation of biodiversity among all sections of society should be encouraged.

10) Conservation regulations should be updated, and enforced strictly.

11) If necessary, revision and reallocation of resources should be made to make development sustainable.

12) Studies and development of environmentally sound biotechnology, and evaluation of the positive and negative effects of biotechnology on biodiversity.

13) Establish a network of ecologically critical areas, and manage them properly. This Ecologically Critical Area Management (ECAM) will have a significant impact on the long-term viability of the country's nationally and globally significant biodiversity resources (Ali and Ahmed, 2000).

3.4.6 CONCLUSION Biological diversity is crucial for the survival and progress of nature and humanity. According to UNESCO (1994), biological diversity provides resources for food, construction, and raw materials for industry. It provides the basis for improvement of the domesticated species; maintains functions of ecosystems, including evolutionary processes; stores and cycles nutrients essential for life; absorbs and breaks down pollutants, including organic waste, pesticides, and heavy metals; recharges ground water, protects catchment basins, and buffers extreme water conditions; and produces soil and protects it from excessive erosion. Biological resources and biological diversity form the basis of both the ecology and economy of Bangladesh. The country's agriculture, fisheries, and livestock, along with a number of other sectors are heavily dependent, directly or indirectly, on biological resources. There is a great potential in Bangladesh for biodiversity-based sustainable development. In spite of threatened wild fauna and flora, there are nearly 10,000 species of plants, animals, and microbial organisms - a good percentage of which are found still in abundance. All out efforts are needed to be taken, so that these biological resources are not over-exploited, and sustainable management plans need to be formulated and implemented.

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